Oil tanker hit in multiple attacks off Yemen's Hodeidah, causing fire on board

The Greek-flagged oil tanker Sunion was damaged in the Red Sea on Wednesday after being hit by multiple attacks, causing a fire on board, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.

The Greek shipping ministry and the Maritime Trade Operations Authority said the tanker was attacked by two small boats and hit with three projectiles off the Yemeni port of Hodeidah on Wednesday.

In a later update, the Maritime Trade Operations Authority said the tanker reported another attack, causing a fire on board and losing the ability to maneuver due to engine failure.

Delta Tankers, the tanker's operator, confirmed the ship had been washed ashore and sustained some damage. Its crew was assessing the situation and would continue its journey, it said in a statement. Delta Tankers declined to comment further.

There were no reports of injuries among the 25-member crew, which consisted of two Russians and the rest of the crew were Filipinos.

A maritime source said the ship was expected to be able to sail “on its own means.”

The Maritime Trade Operations said the tanker reported that two small boats with about 15 people on board approached it and that there was a brief exchange of small arms fire.

She added that the exchange of fire took place 77 nautical miles (142 kilometers) west of the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.

Separately, British maritime security firm Ambrey reported another incident in the same area, saying the vessel had been “fired with small arms from two boats in a previous incident 10 nautical miles to the south,” without naming the vessel.

The Houthi attacks have disrupted global shipping, forcing companies to reroute their ships away from the Red Sea and the Suez Canal and around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope. The attacks have also prompted retaliatory strikes by the United States and Britain on Houthi-held territory.

Source: Reuters